Wheel bearings

[Mugshot]

I've read on more than one occasion (I'm sure I have and I haven't dreamt it), that upgrading your wheels will potentially make the most noticable and immediate difference to your ride. Is it possible though to upgrade the wheel bearings instead and if you did would it make a discernible difference?

 

[ianrauk]

Changing bearings would make the tiniest of difference. Perhaps if you are a speedy TT'ing weight weenie, then you will get that tiny marginal gain. For the majority of us I doubt you would notice any difference.

 

[Biker Joe]

It is possible to upgrade wheel bearings by installing ceramic bearings.
If you are the average cyclist with an average bike I doubt if you would notice much difference.
Ceramic bearings have less friction, are longer lasting than steel bearings and are lighter but this comes at a cost.
Due to the low rotational speeds of bike wheels, I doubt that you would notice a difference when riding.

 

[Mugshot]

Thanks lads, I thought that was probably the case, I'm sure you'd see it suggested if the difference was anything more than minor, it was just something I was musing over whilst pedaling home the other evening

 

[Gravity Aided]

I should think that adding oil fittings and keeping the oil topped up would also generate less rolling resistance than grease, as well as the bottom bracket.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

It is possible to upgrade wheel bearings by installing ceramic bearings.
If you are the average cyclist with an average bike I doubt if you would notice much difference.
Ceramic bearings have less friction, are longer lasting than steel bearings and are lighter but this comes at a cost.
Due to the low rotational speeds of bike wheels, I doubt that you would notice a difference when riding.

This subject was discussed previously, and the consensus was they probably aren't longer lasting. Do you think they should be?

 

[Biker Joe]

This subject was discussed previously, and the consensus was they probably aren't longer lasting. Do you think they should be?

Personally I'm not really bothered . I wont ever be using them.